Nowadays almost everything is being 3D printed, so why should architecture be an exception? Many architectural firms have adopted 3D printing as their preferred technique for building structures. And 3D-printed architecture has truly gained a lot of popularity and momentum. It has paved a path for itself in modern architecture. And I mean, no wonder, it has a ton of benefits! It’s a simple, efficient, and innovative technique that lowers the risks of errors, and also manages to save time. 3D printing eradicates a lot of tedious steps during the construction process and simplifies it. And cement company Progreso teamed up with COBOD to build Guatemala’s first 3D-printed building.
Designer: Progreso x COBOD
Guatemala’s first 3D-printed building was recently completed to withstand local seismic activity, allowing it to be earthquake-resistant. The structure was built by merging modern 3D-printing construction techniques with traditional local craftsmanship, for example, the thatched roof. The house was built using COBOD’s BOD2 printer, and the 3D printer extruded a cement-like mixture in multiple layers to from the structure’s shell, according to a pre-planned blueprint.
Quite interestingly the entire printing and building process took only a little over 24 hours. 26 hours were spread over seven days to build the structure which involved completing the concrete shell, and then adding wiring, plumbing, and windows with the help of laborers. The roof of the home is the traditional roof seen all over the region, and it is made from palm thatching. Wooden slats were also added to the building, to promote natural ventilation and create a spacious and airy environment. The building is designed to withstand a severe and strong earthquake!
“The project has successfully taken steps to validate the structural viability of 3D construction printing in a seismic-prone region,” said the press release. “Due to the use of 3D printing, the house features highly organic-shaped walls that would otherwise be extremely expensive, even unfeasible to complete with concrete blocks, the region’s predominant building material. The 3D-printed concrete walls are complemented by a ‘Rancho’ type palm leaves roof. This roof type has been used for generations in Latin America, as it is inexpensive, provides thermal comfort, and is well-suited for seismic regions due to the flexible and lightweight material.”
The structure occupies 527 square feet and is a compact home that can withstand extreme seismic activity while operating as a fully functional and equipped house.
Nestled against the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como has been a holiday destination for the rich and famous since ages galore. Although I haven’t been, I’ve been busy manifesting it, so who knows, hopefully, we’ll experience some Lake Como soon! The 19th-century Villa Roccabruna is tucked away in the stunning greenery of a botanical park on the lake’s southeast shores. The beautiful property features bold neoclassical lines and is an absurdly romantic space that was once the home of Italy’s iconic opera singer Giuditta Pasta. Now the property has been transformed into a hotel by the Mandarin Oriental group, and it recently launched a 40m floating infinity pool!
Designer: Herzog & de Meuron
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the floating infinity pool is an absolute beauty to look at! And also it is the largest in the world! The hotel was designed by Herzog & de Meuron as well, and it features 21 rooms, 52 suites, two restaurants, an award-winning lower-level spa, and two standalone villas. The pool is a subtle yet beautiful addition that perfectly complements the villa’s architecture, as well as the lower vaulted stone colonnade that supports it.
The infinity pool has been finished in a dark local Cardoso sandstone, and it is designed to seamlessly and harmoniously blend into the lake’s cobalt blue waters. The impressive infinity edge of the cake creates an optical illusion, with a prefabricated steel structure in a glossy deep green that subtly reflects the water’s surface. The pool is designed in Switzerland, constructed in Finland, and assembled in Italy. In fact, the pool is considered an engineering feat and features a catamaran-like form to reduce the impact of the waves. The form is invisibly attached to the lake bed and is connected to the bar and dining area via a ramp.
The NAMI Café is a cool and casual poolside hangout spot that serves pizzas, burgers, and salads along with cocktails and healthy juices. The cafe is framed by the historic and massive stone arches of the building, creating a truly special spot. The largest floating infinity pool in the world is definitely going to be on my vacation list now!
Nestled against the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como has been a holiday destination for the rich and famous since ages galore. Although I haven’t been, I’ve been busy manifesting it, so who knows, hopefully, we’ll experience some Lake Como soon! The 19th-century Villa Roccabruna is tucked away in the stunning greenery of a botanical park on the lake’s southeast shores. The beautiful property features bold neoclassical lines and is an absurdly romantic space that was once the home of Italy’s iconic opera singer Giuditta Pasta. Now the property has been transformed into a hotel by the Mandarin Oriental group, and it recently launched a 40m floating infinity pool!
Designer: Herzog & de Meuron
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the floating infinity pool is an absolute beauty to look at! And also it is the largest in the world! The hotel was designed by Herzog & de Meuron as well, and it features 21 rooms, 52 suites, two restaurants, an award-winning lower-level spa, and two standalone villas. The pool is a subtle yet beautiful addition that perfectly complements the villa’s architecture, as well as the lower vaulted stone colonnade that supports it.
The infinity pool has been finished in a dark local Cardoso sandstone, and it is designed to seamlessly and harmoniously blend into the lake’s cobalt blue waters. The impressive infinity edge of the cake creates an optical illusion, with a prefabricated steel structure in a glossy deep green that subtly reflects the water’s surface. The pool is designed in Switzerland, constructed in Finland, and assembled in Italy. In fact, the pool is considered an engineering feat and features a catamaran-like form to reduce the impact of the waves. The form is invisibly attached to the lake bed and is connected to the bar and dining area via a ramp.
The NAMI Café is a cool and casual poolside hangout spot that serves pizzas, burgers, and salads along with cocktails and healthy juices. The cafe is framed by the historic and massive stone arches of the building, creating a truly special spot. The largest floating infinity pool in the world is definitely going to be on my vacation list now!
In Winter Park, Colorado are 31 A-frame cabins in a hexagonal arrangement called the A-frame Club. Designed by Skylab Architecture and completed this year, the prefabricated cabins are a rejuvenated and upgraded version of traditional ski chalets. With a contemporary twist, the compact and adorable cabins form a snowflake pattern across the three-acre lot. Occupying 23,450 feet, the project “takes design cues from 1970s American ski culture and the iconic A-frame cabins of that era,” said the studio.
Designer: Skylab Architecture
The entire project is a combination of raised cabins and a network of boardwalks that allow guests to interact with the mountain site, without harming the trees and natural watershed. It provides guests with an opportunity to completely immerse themselves in the natural landscape and beauty of the woods by the Fraser River. The cabins occupy 475 square feet and were prefabricated in Los Angeles by Plant Prefab, and assembled on-site.
The picturesque cabins feature steep black metal roofs that support warm vertical cedar boards. They are highlighted by tall triangular windows under the eaves that allow natural light to stream into the interiors while providing stunning views of the mountains. Inside, the cabins hold a living room, kitchenette, and bathroom, as well as a lofted bedroom space.
“The cabins are designed for adaptability. The lofted bed is accessible by a ship’s ladder, and the living room couches can be folded out. Guests are in control of their space, from individual keypads for self-check-in to simple, automated controls for heating, cooling, and lighting,” said the studio.
The interiors are quite warm and welcoming. They are lined with warm-toned cedar panels and custom millwork. Custom Malm fireplaces and vintage furnishings adorn the insides of the cabin – inspiration is drawn from classic ski advertisements. “Tactile custom finishes – including breeze blocks, bespoke woodwork, stained glass, leather upholstery, and even Noguchi-style lighting – emphasize craftsmanship while natural elements like cedar infuse a sense of warmth,” said the studio.
The cabins were also designed to be eco-friendly, as they are incorporated with energy-efficient heating, lighting, and low-flow fixtures. Since they are prefabricated, this also reduces material waste and allows them to be placed around mature trees without disturbing them.
Tiny homes gained popularity a couple of years ago, and since then they’ve cemented their place in the world of architecture. What started off as a cute little trend is now turning into a serious option for home spaces. They are a space-saving and eco-friendly living solution that reduces the load on Mother Earth. They’re simple and minimal alternatives to the imposing and materialistic homes that seem to have taken over. And if you love exploring tiny homes, as much as I do, then you’ve reached the right spot. Podform’s newly launched Pod Studio might just be the tiny home you’ve been looking for!
Designer: Podform
California-based Podform just created the world’s smartest tiny home called Pod Studio. The unique tiny home can expand up to 3 times its original size! The Pod Studio’s original size is 161 square feet, however, it can transform to 454 square feet within 15 minutes! The tiny home is portable and easily transportable and requires no foundation owing to its built-in hydraulic legs. This enables effortless and efficient loading and unloading. It features solar panels and smart technology, which can be controlled via an app, and battery storage systems, and a built-in water and septic tank as well.
The Pod Studio is extremely durable! It is built using steel and aluminum and features a solar awning energy system, which provides protection against 100 mph winds and fire for up to 90 minutes. Security was also given priority for the Pod Studio since tiny homes can be moved around quite easily. The home is equipped with four built-in lens cameras and doors that are locked with Touch-ID technology. AI was utilized to analyze water, electricity, and weather data, providing residents with inputs such as “open the shades” and “turn on the heater”. A projection glass is also incorporated in the house which transforms the cozy home into a scenic haven.
If you want to experience the Pod Studio, you can book a stay in the Pod Studio prototype situated near the Joshua Tree National Park in California. Guests can book their spot with a $50 deposit, for one night at a rate of $250, instead of the original price of $350.
While we’re taught that trees and forests are responsible for the bulk of the oxygen we breathe, nearly 30% of atmospheric oxygen comes from the humble moss – a small, non-vascular plant found in damp or shady environments. Dubbed as nature’s greatest asset, moss is tiny yet incredibly effective at cleansing the air of toxins, increasing the air’s oxygen concentration, eliminating dust particles, and generating negative ions that are beneficial for human health. Dismissed as that green ‘gunk’ growing on tree barks and along parts of sidewalks, moss deserves much more credit than it gets… and now nature’s own air purifier finds itself in our homes thanks to Moss Air – a tabletop terrarium that uses living moss to purify the air we breathe, while also humidifying it.
Designer: Yoonsang Kim of Mosslab
Click Here to Buy Now: $79$99 (20% off). Raised over $550,000.
Moss Air combines nature and technology into a small tabletop purifier that’s as visually charming as it’s innovative. The front facade of the purifier features a living moss wall that constantly cleanses the air you breathe by trapping toxins, enriching it with oxygen, and eliminating dust and organic compounds. Behind this ‘living wall’ is the Moss Air’s water chamber, which feeds its humidifier. The humidifier turns the air into a delicate mist that interacts with the moss wall, creating a natural hourglass that’s just a pleasure to watch. Humidified air makes its way out of the top of the Moss Air, thanks to an outlet that you can either keep open, or close if you don’t want to run the humidifier function.
Moss, Green Lung of the Earth – Found in deep forests and greenery across the globe, this interesting plant has over 12,000 species and is known for its incredible capabilities.
Moss Air’s moss panel filters out fine dust and converts carbon dioxide into oxygen, providing a fresher and greener living environment.
Why Moss? It removes fine dust particles and has an incredible capacity to convert CO2 into oxygen much more efficiently than most types of trees.
Unlike most air purifiers that use HEPA filters, activated charcoal blocks, and UV chambers, the Moss Air taps into the most effective air purifier there is – nature. Moss Air’s moss filter is actually made up of living plants that are capable of surviving without being watered for months (so you don’t need to worry about having a green thumb). Quite like having a plant that you really don’t need to care about, the moss sustains itself, similar to a terrarium that can stay active without human intervention. Aside from being incredibly resilient, moss also does a much better job of oxygen production than most plants hundreds of times its size. Responsible for 30% of the world’s oxygen, you require only a small amount of moss to reduce atmospheric CO2 than actual trees. In fact, a 307 square meter patch of moss can remove an entire ton of atmospheric CO2 per year, as opposed to 3144 square meters of oak trees. Even though the Moss Air contains just a small patch of the plant, it’s enough to boost your living room’s oxygen levels, reduce the CO2 from ‘stale air’, trap dust, neutralize chemicals and VOCs, and release negative ions that help our body the way a walk in the park does. Moreover, the moss lends a certain ‘forest-y’ smell to your living space, bringing the outdoors to you.
The panel of moss sits encased within a rather alluring zen-worthy chamber. Equipped with an LED backlight that gives the entire tabletop purifier a wonderful ambient character, the Moss Air provides joy on a multi-sensorial level. It’s beautiful to look at, imparts a wonderful smell, and has your skin feeling great thanks to the humidifier built into the device.
The magnetic ball at the top of Moss Air acts as a mechanism for mode switching. Simply roll the magnetic ball across the top of the device to open and close the humidifier hole.
Humidifier Mode – Ball in rest position.
Terrarium Mode – Ball covering humidity opening.
The Moss Air can be used in two modes – a Terrarium Mode and a Humidifier Mode. A magnetized ball-bearing on top lets you switch between modes, providing an interactive element that adds to the product’s ‘joy quotient’. In Terrarium Mode, the metal ball blocks the Moss Air’s humidifier outlet, allowing the purifier to generate mist within itself. The mist helps enrich and hydrate the moss, keeping it alive and healthy. Flip the ball over and the Moss Air enters Humidifier Mode, and the mist emanates into your room, humidifying your air and preventing your skin and hair from feeling dry. The humidified air also has added benefits, like helping alleviate allergies and respiratory problems, fighting germs, easing sinus problems, and even reducing snoring caused by a dry throat.
Maintenance is a ‘breeze’ with the Moss Air. In Terrarium Mode, the misted ‘breeze’ created within the inner chamber keeps the moss alive without any external effort. If you’ve kept your Moss Air device turned off for too long, all you need to do is either switch it on or spritz the moss with a spray bottle filled with water. The moss can survive half a year without being watered, and when introduced to water, it comes back to life. The folks at Mosslab claim that a healthy moss panel can survive for up to 30 years, outliving pretty much any other house plant you might have with 1% of the effort!
The Moss Filter panel is super simple to change if needed. Simply press the two side tabs in, pop out, and press the new one in place until it clicks.
Each Moss Air also comes with a 400ml water chamber at the back, which can easily be refilled by simply running under a tap. The water in the chamber lasts for up to 10 hours, and a paper filter helps purify the water before it’s converted into vapor. Depending on the quality of your tap water, the paper filter can need replacing every 3-6 months, once you see signs of browning on the white paper. The moss panel itself can be replaced too, simply by plugging it out and swapping a new moss panel in. A built-in battery allows the Moss Air to run for 8 hours on a full charge, and a USB-C port lets you use your regular smartphone/gadget charger to recharge the Moss Air’s battery.
With up to 8 hours of battery life, Moss Air can be moved around the home with you.
Bring Nature with Moss
The Moss Air pretty much ticks all the boxes. It combines terra and technology wonderfully, giving you a tabletop appliance that’s compact, functional, easy to maintain, and gorgeous to look at. The moss looks almost like a forest observed from the top, with the plant’s tiny stems looking like individual coniferous trees. The LED mood light just brings an added appeal to it, allowing you to admire it even at night, and when used in the terrarium mode, the humid mist looks like the morning fog that envelops the forest every day as the sun rises! Aside from humidifying and purifying the air we breathe, the Moss Air also purifies on an emotional level by bringing us close to nature. Its zen design has an incredibly calming effect, making it much more enriching and endearing than any humidifier you’ve ever seen. Starting at just $79, the Moss Air is a perfect addition to your work table, kitchen counter, mantelpiece, or even your bookshelf, making for the most gorgeous book-end ever!
Click Here to Buy Now: $79$99 (20% off). Raised over $550,000.
In the ever-evolving landscape of remote working, online classes, and virtual presentations, the need for versatile and user-friendly webcam solutions is growing by the day. The traditional, static webcams simply don’t cut it anymore. The struggle to find the perfect camera angle, deal with wobbles, and create engaging content has plagued many of us, to which Logitech may have just found a feasible solution.
Say hello to the Logitech Reach, an articulating webcam that is set to redefine the way we interact with offline objects to display online. This innovative device is designed to eliminate the common problems associated with articulating webcam mounts. No more pan-and-wobble or awkward arcs across your screen: the Logitech Reach keeps you in the flow, no matter the situation.
Designer: Logitech
Given its versatility and convenience, the Logitech Reach is about to become the new best friend of streamers and vloggers looking to elevate their content, or of people engrossed throughout the day in conducting online classes or presentations. For this, Logitech Reach features 1080p, 60fps Streamcam. The interesting part is, if your camera ever decides to call it quits, you can easily replace it with another Logitech Streamcam, without the need to purchase an entirely new contraption.
Logitech Reach is more than just a webcam; it’s a table-lamp-style tool designed to enhance our online interactions, whether you’re working remotely, teaching, or simply sharing your passion with the world. Logitech Reach’s standout aspect therefore is its articulating arm. This revolutionary idea allows you to effortlessly raise and lower the camera, slide it backward or forward, or by gripping the camera ring, pan horizontally over items on your desk, each time creating a dynamic and engaging visual experience not possible with the static webcam.
Logitech has not finalized the Reach as of yet. It has opted to launch the articulating arm camera through an Indiegogo Enterprise campaign, allowing early adopters to be part of the refinement process and contribute to the product’s development. While the official launch date remains undisclosed, Logitech hints the price to hover around the $399 mark.
When it comes to venturing into the great outdoors, having the right vehicle support can make all the difference. That’s where the Yoka Go drives in, offering not just ample space but also the freedom to adapt to your individual needs.
Dethleffs, a name synonymous with recreational vehicles, has brought us the Yoka Go, a true game-changing leisure vehicle. But what exactly is the Yoka? A motorhome? A camper van? Well, it’s more than that; it’s a tailor-made leisure vehicle designed to elevate your adventures to unstoppable heights.
Designer: Dethleffs
Whether you’re an avid travel or someone who simply craves the freedom to explore the world, the Yoka Go is here to cater to your every need, especially with its incredible storage capacity. So whether you’re carrying sports gear, camping equipment, or just the essentials for a weekend getaway, the Yoka Go’s flexible interior ensures that you have everything you need for both comfortable storage and seamless travel.
The Yoka Go boasts an extra-large wardrobe complete with shelves and a clothes rail, ensuring that you can keep your attire organized and ready for any occasion. Speaking of occasions, the large tailgate with a window adds an elegant touch to your outdoor gatherings. Sleeping arrangements in the Yoka Go are taken care of by the seating lounge which can quickly transform into a cozy bed for two, measuring 1.35m by 2.00m, providing ample space for a good night’s rest.
Flexibility is key in the Yoka Go. It extends to the seating lounge equipped with a variable table for up to four people. Need more seating? No problem. Thanks to the floor rail with airline rails, you can opt for a third and fourth seat to accommodate additional passengers. Storage space isn’t just limited to the bedroom; the Yoka Go has compartments tucked away inside the bench seats, making it a breeze to access your essentials even from the outside of the vehicle. No more rummaging through your entire inventory just to grab your favorite hiking boots!
Drawing power from a 129-hp 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine with a six-speed manual transmission, the Yoka Go is a lifestyle enhancer. With its adaptability, spaciousness, and clever storage solutions, it’s the perfect companion for those who want to make the most of their leisure time in the outdoors.
While Apple may have dabbled with transparent earphones with their Beats Studio Buds +, their AirPods line sticks rather religiously to the white plastic construction. However, maverick engineer and YouTuber Ken Pillonel decided to switch things up and build a transparent version of the AirPods Pro. Known famously for building the world’s first USB-C AirPods Pro case, Pillonel’s set himself on a mission to hack the company’s products to make them more repairable, customizable, and user-friendly. The transparent AirPods Pro case shown here is a culmination of all his work, including an earlier project where he built a screw-based repairable version of the AirPods Pro case. Pillonel decided to try 3D printing the case out of clear resin to make something more akin to the Studio Buds +, or to the Nothing Ear (2). The result is quite eye-catching, to say the least!
Designer: Ken Pillonel
The video at the top of the article chronicles Pillonel’s process, which involves 3D printing the AirPods Pro case’s components and then treating them to achieve a clear finish. Once done, Pillonel put the case together, assembling every part including the status LED on the front, a wireless charging coil on the back, and in signature style, a USB-C charging port at the base. A highlight of this build is that even though it’s transparent, it’s held together with screws, which means you can disassemble and repair the case whenever you want.
Pillonel used a resin bath to print in clear plastic.
While the video documents Pillonel’s entire process, the YouTuber’s been more than forthcoming when it comes to other people trying to copy his work. He’s listed his entire process on the website in a nifty step-by-step guide, and you can access the 3D files on his Patreon.
The prints were then cured before the supports were removed.
Pillonel spent over 2 days just sanding the parts to achieve this immaculately clear finish.
The results look fascinating, especially when the green light causes the plastic to illuminate in this overtly cyberpunk fashion (along with Ken’s branding on the ribbon cable that leads to the light). There are, however, some caveats – the AirPods Pro weren’t designed to be transparent, which is why the internal component placement doesn’t necessarily look as aesthetic as one would hope. The wireless charging cable on the rear has an almost industrial appearance to it, but then again, it’s a matter of preference. The third part is that the earphones are still opaque. Given how hermetically sealed they are, it’s virtually impossible to build transparent earbuds, so the most you can really do is apply a vinyl clad on them or give them a paint job. That said, the transparent AirPods Pro performs just as well as intended, with all the features you’d expect from Apple’s product. Ken’s design hack just makes things better by lifting the opaque veil on the TWS earbuds case… and by making it infinitely repairable too!
Say hello to Outlander, the red planet’s first “MTV”, or Mars Terrain Veloce. Designed by Seongho Kim, the Outlander aims at being the one definitive vehicle to help you conquer the red planet’s inhospitable terrain. The three-wheeled format gives the Outlander a great balance between maneuverability and weight, and a 3D-printed metal chassis, coupled with CO2 blasters and airless tires allows the rider to effortlessly navigate Mars’ undulating surface without any hiccups whatsoever.
Designer: Seongho Kim
It’s entirely conceivable that we’re probably going to see a manned mission to Mars in our lifetime, and if we intend on inhabiting the planet, we need to be able to explore it too. That’s where the Outlander comes in, helping you effectively do a ground mission on the planet’s uneven surface without requiring any complex vehicular assistance. The Outlander is practically the ATV’s distant cousin, optimized for a foreign environment.
The single-seater trike combines a compact and lightweight structure with a capable design that maximizes fun and minimizes failure. The two tires on the front are perfect for being able to adeptly navigate undulating land, while LiDAR sensor between them helps the Outlander understand the road ahead. A set of CO2 canisters right underneath the rider fire when the ‘MTV’ needs vertical lift, giving the vehicle an upward push to help it climb and jump higher. Meanwhile, cleverly engineered airless tires absorb any sort of rough impact without bursting or crumbling like conventional tires and wheels.
The entire trike has an otherwise skeletal design from head to wheel. Carbon fiber and 3D-printed metal parts help give the trike its sturdiness and lightweight structure, and a cargo unit right between the rider’s legs lets them carry important equipment from A to B. Under the cargo hatch sits the Outlander’s battery unit, which supplies power to the rear-wheel motor.
